MABEN – Community college will be the first stop on the college career path for a couple of Adam Lowrey’s West Oktibbeha football players.

Standout running back Tiberias Lampkin will be spending the next couple of years playing for Coahoma Community College.

With Lampkin compiling averaging 180.2 yards per game for 1,982 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns, it is clear that Coahoma is gaining quite the formidable athlete.

“My school means a lot to me and it really means a lot to get to this point, because a lot of people come from this school and are overlooked,” Lampkin said. “To come from this school and to sign a full-ride scholarship, that is a blessing. Coach Lowrey taught me how to keep working hard, to believe in family, to believe in faith and that has really gotten me to the point where I am right now.”

Shortly after 9 a.m., Timberwolves’ quarterback Von Smith revealed he will travel just down the road to Scooba in playing for the East Mississippi Lions.

The Lions signed Smith following a stellar senior season where he was 85-for-183 passing, picking up 1,490 yards and 21 touchdowns. Smith tacked on an additional 581 yards rushing for five scores.

“I had a good career at West Oktibbeha,” Smith said. “At times, it seems we grew as a family and we got better playing what we loved. (Wednesday) is just amazing for me because I know now that I can continue at the next level. I am going to do what I have to do at the next level.”

As he prepares to leave West Oktibbeha behind, Smith spoke on just how much his relationship with Lowrey has meant to him. Describing it more like a “father and son” relationship, on top of the “coach and player” aspect.

Lowrey echoed his player’s sentiments on just how special the relationship with Lampkin and Smith is to him and the entire Timberwolves’ family.

“With Tiberias and Von, it’s like having two sons,” Lowrey said. “When I first came, they were 8th graders and now they are seniors. It’s hard to believe we’ve been together for five years. That’s a considerable amount of time to spend with someone and it’s just been a blessing.

“Tiberias is the epitome of hard work, determination and perseverance. I believe the sky is the limit for him because his desire and attitude. Von is the one that I can trust to do anything at any time. The offense went through him, how he did is how we did, especially the first few years. The main thing I like about Von is his unselfishness. He wants everybody to do their job and to do their part.”